Industry Links

RVIA Economic Impact Study

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association commissioned an Economic Impact Study on the RV industry, released on June 7, 2016. The study found that the RV industry contributes about $49.7 billion in economic output or 0.28 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. Through its production and distribution linkages, the industry impacts firms in 426 of the 440 sectors of the United States economy.

Nationwide, the industry is responsible for 216,170 jobs, both directly and inderectly, creating an economic impact of $37.5 billion. The full study results, along with each individual state and congressional district's economic impact is available on the website by clicking here .

RV News Exclusive: Born Free Motorcoach Introduces 30-Foot Splendor

Mon Jan 23, 2017

Born Free Motorcoach has introduced the all new 30-foot Splendor double slide to the RV market.

The new Splendor was introduced in October and is the largest of the Splendor coaches the company has offered. With three available chassis that would fit on the Ford E450, Ford F550 and Dodge 5500, the Splendor measures at 27 feet, 1 inch for the E450 and 29 feet eight inches for the other two.

The type C motorhome just under 30 feet is something in high demand in the RV marketplace, according to Born Free President Jeff Butler.

“They love the room inside the coach,” Butler says. “It’s a large living area in a 30-footer. It’s got a sofa and euro recliner, an option for a cab-over bed, so you can sleep six on that vehicle. There’s a full queen bed that slides out the back side. A full wardrobe with a his and hers closet, a separate bathroom.

“The feedback we’ve gotten is that our new products are really hitting the market right. They’re positioned well. The design, the floorplans, the layouts, the interiors, the décor, everything has been very well received.”

Other features of the new Splendor type C motorhome include keyless remote entry, daytime running lights, heated power mirrors, a tow package with a 12-volt plug and a dash electronic message center.

The exterior features include a cable TV connection, a molded fiberglass body, all LED body lighting and an exterior 110-volt outlet, among other things.

In addition, Born Free’s Reign has continued its momentum at the top of the type C class, where sales have been excellent and the company has orders out to June already, Butler says.

“Dealers and customers really have given us very positive feedback,” he says. “They love it and say for a Sprinter Mercedes-based motorhome, it’s the top of the class. And the fit and finish, the quality and what folks know us for really stand out. When we debuted it, we incorporated three steel safety roll bars inside that vehicle – that’s a trademark of Born Free products. We decided it had to have that. The focus on safety for us with our products has been very well received.”

As Born Free continues into the busy season of spring, Butler says the company is on the right track and is excited for the future.

“I think we’re on the right path,” he says. There’s been a lot of work over the last two years. We’re well positioned right now.”